loyed a style and manner peculiar to
himself. This does not invalidate the evidence of their divine origin.
On the contrary, it shows the wisdom of the Spirit. For, if the whole
Bible had been written in a uniform style, it would have given opposers
a strong argument against its authenticity; while the want of that
uniformity furnishes conclusive evidence that it could not have been the
work of a single impostor. Again; a continued sameness of style would
make the reading of so large a book as the Bible tedious and unpleasant;
but the rich variety presented by the various authors of this blessed
book, helps our infirmities, and makes the reading of it pleasing and
delightful. 2. "Inquire into the character, situation, and office of the
writer; the time, place, and occasion of his writing; and the people
for whose immediate use he intended his work." This will enable you to
understand his allusions to particular circumstances and customs, and to
see the practical application of the principles he advances. 3. Consider
the principal scope or aim of the book; or, what was the author's
object, design, or intention, in writing it. Notice also the general
plan or method which he has pursued. This will enable you to discover
his leading ideas, if it be an argumentative work; or the particular
instructions of God's providence, if it be historical. 4. Where the
language is difficult to be understood, pay strict attention to the
context, and you will generally find the author's meaning explained.
But, if you do not, consider whether the difficult phrase is a
peculiarity of the writer's style. If so, look out the place where he
has used it in a different connection, and see what meaning is attached
to it there. But, if this does not satisfy you, examine the passages, in
other parts of the Scriptures, which relate to the same subject, and
compare them with the one under consideration. This will generally clear
up the darkest passages. But, if you still feel in doubt, you may find
assistance from consulting commentators, who have made themselves
thoroughly acquainted with all the particulars I have mentioned; which,
with a knowledge of the language in which the book was originally
written, may have enabled them to remove the difficulty. But, do not
trust the opinions of commentators any farther than you see they agree
with the general system of revealed truth; and, above all, do not follow
them in any scheme of fanciful interpretation